i continuelook for work seven days a week actually. it is the hardest unpaid job i have ever had. >> reporter: he wants to know what president obama and mitt romney will do for people like him. >> there's a lot of people who have been out of work for a long time who are not satisfied with the status quo with either party the way it is working. >> reporter: the final segments of the debate will focus on healthcare. >> i want to repeal obamacare and replace it with something to get costs under control. >> reporter: and the role of government. >> reporter: tonight will mark the first of three debates between the two presidential hopefuls this month. as for the two vice- presidential candidates, they will square off in their own debate, michelle, next week. >> all right. so what kind of impact can these debates have on the polls if any? >> reporter: certainly this is a tradition that began 52 years ago. and if history is any indication, there may be some unforgettable moments tonight. certainly i think both candidates are hoping for a spik